"A reflection on 'A Pale White Dot'
Reflective Piece on Periphery’s New Album, A Pale White Dot
🤔…
It is hard to explain many things about this journey, but I have a story I’d love to share about how I came to know of your band's existence.
To Misha (aka “Bulb,” to my understanding):
In the mid-2000s, I was part of a small progressive metal band in the Twin Cities by the name of “Disfigure.” During this time, a small local band named “After the Burial” was just coming up as well. In trying to grow a following as a band in that scene, I was introduced to one of their members, Justin Lowe. During those days in the Minnesota local scene, we became metal brothers. I still remember, clear as day, us “talking shop” about the scene, and Justin told me flat out: “Dude! You need to check out this band Periphery.” You guys have been at the top of my musical catalog ever since.
I still remember you guys playing a bill in St. Paul, MN, at a club called Station 4 with After the Burial. I was there, and after the show, shooting the shit with Justin and crushing a PBR, I was lucky enough to say hi to you and Spencer. It was such a great atmosphere and everyone was so amped. So much fun!
I was so impressed by your first release, Periphery. To this day, my favorite track is “All New Material” 🫶… it has been a staple in my all-time favorite songs list.
Fast forward…
My band calls it quits. Family & kids…
I go through a rough breakup and have to fight in court to get 50% custody of my kids just to see them again, all during the Covid lockdown.
All of this was happening right when Hail Stan was released. “Reptile” is an unbelievable piece of art. I’ve never had a metal piece bring me to emotional tears like that song. Hail Stan, to me, sounds like the ultimate test of complexity and emotion. It was a height I never thought was possible for this genre (I'm not a fan of “genres” anyway, but I think you understand what I’m saying)—and then the bar went up, or the box was broken entirely.
Now… I have weathered my storm. I battled through the loneliness, and now, standing in complete acceptance of where I am and in complete gratitude, you guys drop A Pale White Dot !🪷!
After closely listening to it, this album feels like a matured version of your first release. I love it. It’s like we’ve aged together, and I am so grateful to connect to it. I’m just a small grain of dust in your cosmic universe, but it’s funny how small things can make big impacts over time.
From Justin…
To Me…
Back to you…
Thank you so much for always being an inspiration. 🤘